Cases

Wood v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis

Held

Dismissing the claim:

1) The mere taking of W’s photograph in a public street did not engage his right to privacy under Art 8. More was required, such as the extensive publication of photographs of a person’s comings and goings, the publication of photographs exposing medical confidences or covert filming. Many intrusions by the police into the lives of citizens on the street would not be sufficiently serious to engage Convention rights.

2) The use of such lawfully obtained photographs by police for the purpose of investigations did not entail interference with Art 8. The images were not part of a dossier on W.

3) Any interference was not contrary to the common law or the Data Protection Act and was therefore lawful, and was entirely proportionate.

4) There was no interference with W’s rights under Arts 10 and 11 and the police actions were in any event justified under Arts 10(2) and 11(2).

5) No other right was engaged so Art 14 could not be engaged.

Also